Fork width

Hi folks, I'd appreciate a word of advice about fork width. I've a Reynolds 653 frame - (about 1991) and forks. Chainstay width 125mm, which seems to be a standard but my front forks are, equally, 125mm in-between the two forks. I've been told this isn't standard for forks. I've checked the forks there are no cracks or stretch marks to show they've been adapted, so I was just wondering what folk thought. Is it just the obvious striking me in the face: all bikes are different; or is there a standard size that these are not. I'd appreciate guidance as I don't want to 'fork-out' on stuff for the frame if it's gonna be difficult to buy the basics that fit. Many thanks. Gerald

What others have told you, that 125mm isn't a standard spacing for front forks, is correct. Standard spacing is 100mm for the vast majority of bikes, exceptions being older and low end bikes which had spacing around 90-95mm and what are termed "big-hit" bikes, some of which having 110mm spaced thru-axle front hubs. Of course, there are also a few bikes like the Surly Pugsley and those by Jeff Jones that use a 135mm hub in the front.

With that said, since your frame is steel (and decent steel at that) I would consider taking it to your LBS to have the fork blades cold set to the standard dimension. With that relatively simple modification, installation of widely available parts will be possible. Good luck!

Cheers
lverhagen

Rex Kramer: Striker, listen, and you listen close: flying a plane is no different than riding a bicycle, just a lot harder to put baseball cards in the spokes.

The drop outs don't look bent, as I mentioned it all looks intact and fine. Maybe the chap who had it originally widened the forks for some reason - don't know. I may well have them reset, need to see if I can track any wheels down to fit it as it currently is. Many thanks for the advice.